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Presence of micro-mesoplastics in beaches and sediments of São Francisco do Sul (Brazil)
Summary
Researchers surveyed micro- and mesoplastics along beaches and sediments of São Francisco do Sul, Brazil, finding that sediment granulometry and local hydrodynamics were the primary controls on plastic retention, that mesoplastics serve as transitional reservoirs that fragment into secondary microplastics, and that polyethylene, polypropylene, and styrene-butadiene copolymers dominated the polymer composition.
). Morphological analysis revealed predominance of fragments in Area #1 and fibers (MPs) or foam (MePs) in Area #2. White, blue, and translucent particles were most abundant, while polymer identification highlighted the dominance of polyethylene, polypropylene, and styrene-butadiene copolymer, reflecting both global production patterns and local anthropogenic inputs. Sediment granulometry and hydrodynamics emerged as primary drivers of plastic retention, modulated by urbanization and tourism. Positive correlations between MePs and MPs indicate that MePs act as transitional reservoirs, contributing to secondary microplastic formation. These findings emphasize the hierarchical interplay of physical and anthropogenic factors in shaping coastal plastic distribution and provide a process-based framework to inform monitoring and management strategies.